The Taylor Data Center Clash: Why Locals Are Furious Over Water and Energy Costs

The Taylor Data Center Clash: Why Locals Are Furious Over Water and Energy Costs

Posted on October 8, 2025

Last week, a Williamson County judge dismissed a lawsuit from Taylor residents trying to halt a massive data center project by Blueprint Data Centers. The decision has sparked outrage, and it’s not hard to see why: these tech giants are reshaping Texas communities, driving up water and energy costs, and leaving locals feeling powerless. Let’s dive into what’s happening, why it matters, and what we can do about it.

A Lawsuit Lost, but a Fight Just Beginning

On October 3, 2025, Judge Ryan Larson ruled that nearby residents lacked standing to block Blueprint’s 135,000-square-foot data center in southeast Taylor. The land, originally deeded for parkland in 1999, was sold for $10 million to the company last year. Residents argued it could harm the environment, health, and safety of their neighborhood, but the court said they didn’t have the legal grounds to challenge it. Construction, paused during the case, is now full steam ahead, with Blueprint eyeing another site in nearby Georgetown.

Locals are livid, and social media—especially on X—is buzzing with frustration. One user summed it up: “A data center went through an industrial park so they didn’t have to get community agreement... now all their water is about to be ruined and bills skyrocket.” This isn’t just about one project—it’s about a statewide boom that’s hitting Texans where it hurts: their wallets and their resources.

Why Data Centers Are Draining Texas Dry

Data centers, especially those powering AI and cloud computing, are resource hogs. Here’s how they’re impacting Williamson County and beyond:

• Energy Guzzlers: A single large data center can use 100 megawatts—enough to power 80,000 homes. Texas data centers could triple their energy demand by 2030, pushing the state’s grid to the brink. This means higher electric bills—potentially 20-30% more in Central Texas—since ratepayers cover new infrastructure costs.
• Water Hogs: Cooling servers takes massive amounts of water. In 2025 alone, Texas data centers are projected to use 49 billion gallons—enough for 4 million households. In water-stressed areas like Williamson County, this strains aquifers already stretched thin by drought and growth.

Here’s a quick look at the numbers:

Resource	2025 Data Center Use	Impact
Energy	12,700 MW (2026 est.)	Powers ~10 million homes
Water	49 billion gallons	Supplies ~4 million households

The Bigger Picture: Growth vs. Sustainability

Data center advocates, like Blueprint’s CEO, point to jobs and economic boosts—Taylor’s deal brought in $10 million upfront. But critics, including groups like Environment Texas, argue that tax breaks and lax oversight let these companies dodge accountability. Other regions, like the EU, require sustainability reports; Texas could adopt similar rules or push for water-saving tech like closed-loop cooling.

Meanwhile, residents face real consequences: higher utility bills, water restrictions, and the threat of blackouts like those during Winter Storm Uri. On X, one Texan vented, “These data centers do not need us to be here... but they literally can come in [and] sell them the property.” It’s a sentiment echoing across the state.

What Can We Do?

The fight isn’t over. Here are a few ways to push back:

1. Get Loud: Attend city council or county commissioner meetings in Williamson County. Public pressure has stopped projects elsewhere.
2. Join Forces: Connect with groups like Environment Texas to demand usage tracking and sustainable practices.
3. Stay Informed: Follow updates on X or local news like KUT to track new developments and lawsuits.

This isn’t about hating tech—it’s about ensuring Texas grows without sacrificing our water, power, and communities. What do you think—time to fight locally or push for statewide change? Drop your thoughts in the comments or share this post to spread the word!

Sources: KUT News, X posts, Environment Texas reports, ERCOT projections